UAS provides a comprehensive set of benefits for employees. Download an 
employee benefits summary.
Employee Medical Dental and Vision Premium Rates effective 1/1/2022 Opens in a new window
Leave and Holidays
The UAS Office employees are eligible for annual leave (vacation) by category as described below. Eligible employees are encouraged to take their earned vacation during the year in which it was earned. Eligible employees who are employed on or before the 15th of the month earn vacation at the full monthly accrual rate; eligible employees employed after the 15th do not accrue any vacation for that month. Vacation may be taken in one-hour increments; fractions of an hour are rounded to the nearest hour. Only accrued unused vacation may be taken and vacation hours or days cannot be advanced. Vacation must be approved by the employee’s supervisor before actual absence except in an emergency.
Recognized holidays occurring during vacation will not be charged to vacation time. No allowance will be made for sickness or other incapacity occurring during vacation.
- Annual Leave
The UAS Office employees are eligible for annual leave (vacation) by category as described below.
- Exempt Employees: Accrue 22 days per year at the time of employment. Employees are required to submit a Monthly Leave Report to the HR Department, signed by the employee’s appropriate supervisor, senior staff member, Chancellor, or the Chancellor’s designee.
- Non-Exempt Employees: Accrue annual leave as follows: (length reflects continuous service)
- 1 – 5 years – 15 days per year
- 6 – 10 years – 17 days per year
- 11 – 15 years – 19 days per year
- 16 or more years – 22 days per year
Part-time employees accrual rate is prorated.
- Sick Leave
Eligible employees are granted sick leave due to absences as a result of personal illness or injury, or serious illness within their immediate households to the extent of available sick leave. Immediate household includes any relative living in the employee’s home.
All employees earn sick leave at the rate of one day for each full month worked.
Part-time employees accrual rate is prorated.
- Personal Days
UA System Employees receive five personal days per year used at the discretion of the employee and approved by their supervisor. New employees will be prorated for their first year according to hire date.
Personal holidays must be taken between October 1 and September 30 and are NOT accumulated or rolled over.
Part-time employees accrual rate is prorated.
- Paid Holidays
UA System Office employees receive ten designated holidays each year as follows:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday following Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Normally, if a holiday falls on a Saturday, it shall be observed on the previous Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it shall be observed on the following Monday.
The current year Holiday Schedule can be found on the Employee Resources Page.
Health and Wellness
The UAS Office requires all regular full-time employees to carry health insurance as a condition of employment. Waiver of this policy may be granted for those who provide evidence of substantially equivalent coverage through another group or through individual policies. Regular part-time employees with a .5 FTE or greater may enroll at their option. Temporary full-time employees also have the option to enroll, but temporary employees who work less than full time are ineligible to participate in this program.
- Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Premiums are paid by employee and employer (rates listed at top of page).
For information concerning enrollment, cancellation, or address and name changes please contact the HR Department directly at (205) 348-9506.
Open Enrollment is annually in November for the UA System Office. Further information is provided by the HR Department concerning open enrollment dates.
Virtual ID Cards – BCBS
This new feature allows members to view the front and back of their insurance ID cards. Members can send their cards via email to their providers before an appointment or when they arrive. The card can also be sent by email to covered dependents or their providers. A secure email from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is sent so providers know the email is legitimate. Members can view their virtual ID cards through their myBlueCross member accounts online.
Virtual ID cards are also available on the Alabama Blue mobile application. The cards can be accessed directly via the ID card icon on the BCBS home screen, where users will be prompted to log in to myBlueCross. Members can view benefits, manage contract information and find providers through the app. Members with Health Reimbursement Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts can use the app to take photos of their receipts and submit them for reimbursement. For more information, visit the BCBS Mobile App site.
Important Links
BCBS Website Opens in a new window
Blue Cross Blue Shield High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
For the first time, UAS employees will now have a choice in medical plans with the introduction of a new high-deductible health plan (HDHP) option with a Health Savings Account (HSA). The new HDHP features lower premiums and higher deductibles. Participants will pay less in monthly premiums to maintain coverage, but will pay more out-of-pocket when receiving medical care. Every employee or family must satisfy the higher deductible before the plan begins to pay. After the deductible is met, participants will pay a 20% coinsurance based on the allowed or eligible charges. Once a participant reaches the out-of-pocket maximum, the plan will pay 100% of the covered expenses for the remainder of the calendar year.
Important Links
Health Insurance Model Notices
Helpful Links
- Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. You and your dependents are eligible for coverage within one month of hire date. Premiums are paid by employee (rates listed at top of page). For information concerning enrollment, cancellation, or address and name changes please contact the HR Department directly at (205) 348-9506.
Open Enrollment is annually in November for the UA System Office. Further information is provided by the HR Department concerning open enrollment dates.
Important Note About the Network
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Dental Network is a statewide dental network. There are currently more than 1,410 dentists (approximately 78% of the dentists in Alabama) who have joined this program. Payments for covered services provided by out-of-network dentists in Alabama will be made according to the dental network fee schedule at the same level as in-network services. Participants using an out-of-network dentist may be responsible for the difference between the Blue Cross payment and the dentist’s charge (plus any deductible and coinsurance). Participants using an out-of-network dentist may also have to file the claim if the dentist’s office will not.
In order for participants to maximize their dental benefit, it is important that participants choose a preferred dental provider in the Blue Cross Network of Preferred Providers (see link below).
- Vision Insurance
You have a choice between two carriers for Vision Insurance: UnitedHealthcare or VSP. You and your dependents are eligible for coverage within one month of hire date. Premiums are paid by employee (rates listed at top of page). For information concerning enrollment, cancellation, or address and name changes please contact the HR Department directly at (205) 348-9506.
Open Enrollment is annually in November for the UA System Office. Further information is provided by the HR Department concerning open enrollment dates.
UnitedHealthcare Vision
Important Information for participants in the UnitedHealthcare (Spectera) Vision Plan:
When choosing an in-network provider, claims may be filed by the provider by identifying yourself as a UnitedHealthcare Vision Plan Participant and providing your social security number and date of birth. No insurance card is necessary for claims.
Out of Network Claims: If you choose an out-of-network provider, you still receive a great benefit. Annual claims should be submitted at one time and not intermittently throughout the year to receive reimbursement for out of network claims. Receipts should be submitted within 12 months of the date of service. You will be reimbursed up to the out-of-network maximums listed on the benefit summary. In order to receive reimbursement, submit all itemized paid receipt(s), along with the primary insured’s social security number and patient’s name and date of birth to the following address:
United Health (Spectera) Claims Department
P.O. Box 30978
Salt Lake CIty, UT 84130
Fax: (248) 733-6060Related Links
- UnitedHealthcare Website Opens in a new window
- UnitedHealthcare Vision Insurance Summary
- Find a UnitedHealthcare (Spectera) Provider Opens in a new window (requires SS# & DOB of employee)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Nominate a Vision Provider for Network
VSP Vision
- Pharmacy Benefits
Effective January 1, 2019, Pharmacy Benefits are provided through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. More information coming soon. Below is some useful information regarding your pharmacy benefits.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Eligible employees can take advantage of flexible spending accounts which are administered by PayFlex. Participants can set aside pretax money via payroll deductions to pay for healthcare and dependent care expenses not covered by benefit plans. Money set aside in these accounts will reduce taxable income, providing participants with more value for the dollar.
More information about FSAs:
- Health Saving Account (HSA)
An HSA is a tax-advantaged medical savings account available only to individuals enrolled in a HDHP. HSAs are like individual savings accounts, but the money in the account is used to pay for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. It can also help participants save for future medical expenses.
Disability and Life Insurance
The System helps employees plan for the unexpected with sponsored group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
- Employer-sponsored Basic Group Life and AD&D Insurance
The University of Alabama System offers Employer Sponsored Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans to eligible employees. Eligible employees are automatically covered beginning their date of hire; no enrollment is necessary.
Existing employees and participants may log on to The Standard Insurance website Opens in a new window to review current benefits or update beneficiary information.
If you are a first-time user to the website you will need to obtain a user login and password, instructions below:
- First Time User Instructions – The Standard Website
- Beneficiary Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary of Coverage for Employer Sponsored Basic Group Life and AD&D Insurance
- Quick Links to The Standard
- Life Services Toolkit (pdf) Opens in a new window
To file a claim, please contact the HR Department at (205) 348-9506.
- Employer-sponsored Long-term Disability Insurance
The University of Alabama System provides at no cost to eligible employees Long-Term Disability Insurance through The Standard. The policy provides for salary continuation at 66 2/3% of current salary, not to exceed $10,000 per month and begins on the 91st day of “total disability.” After 90 days of benefit payments, the plan changes from 66 2/3% to 60% of current salary and continues at that rate for the duration of the claim. Further information can be found below:
- Optional Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
The University of Alabama System offers Voluntary Term Life and AD&D Insurance to eligible employees through The Standard Insurance Company. New hires will receive information directly from The Standard regarding enrollment and rates or may visit their website at standard.benselect.com Opens in a new window.
Existing employees and participants may log to The Standard Insurance website to review plan options, current benefits, and update beneficiary information.
First time users will need a user login and password. See
First Time User Instructions for the Standard Insurance Website.To file a claim contact The Standard at (855) 757-4714, for assistance you can also contact the HR Department at (205) 348-9506.
- Optional Short-term Disability Insurance
First time users will need a user login and password. See
First Time User Instructions for the Standard Insurance Website.Short-term disability pays 60% of your salary if you become temporarily disabled and unable to work for a short period of time due to illness/pregnancy or accident. All full-time employees will be eligible to enroll in this post-tax, employee-paid benefit on a voluntary basis.
Retirement
All eligible employees are required by state law to participate in the Teacher's Retirement System (TRS). This defined benefit program provides retired employees with a specific benefit payable monthly for the lifetime of the member. In addition to the employee contribution, the System contributes a percentage which is determined by the Alabama Legislature. The University of Alabama System also offers supplemental 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
- 401(a) Teacher's Retirement Plan
All eligible employees are required by state law to participate in TRS. This defined benefit program provides retired employees with a specific benefit payable monthly for the lifetime of the member. In addition to the employee contribution, the System contributes a percentage which is determined by the Alabama Legislature.
- Tier 1 Employees (those hired prior to January 1, 2013), contribute a mandatory 7.50% of their gross annual salary to TRS.
- Tier 2 Employees (those hired on or after January 1, 2013), contribute a mandatory 6.00% of their gross annual salary to TRS.
Further information on retirement benefits can be found in the TRS Handbook, links to these are listed below.
Upon service retirement, employees are also eligible to join the state’s Public Education Employee Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP). Rates for this plan vary based on years of TRS service.
Individuals resigning from employment before vesting in the program, or before qualifying to receive benefits, may request a refund of their contributions and applicable interest.
For more information, select from the links below:
- 403(b) and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans
403(b) Deferred Compensation Plans
The University of Alabama System offers a 403(b) supplemental retirement plan that allows eligible employees a great way to accumulate wealth for retirement. The plan, administered by TIAA, offers convenient payroll deduction, pre-tax contributions, tax-deferred growth, and a wide variety of investment options including Roth options. The University of Alabama System makes a matching contribution for all regular Full-Time Exempt staff on employee contributions up to 5% of gross monthly pay. Any contributions above 5% are not matched by the System.
TIAA
TIAA offers a one-on-one counseling session with one of their advisors. Contact our HR Department to be directed to our representative.
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans
The University of Alabama System provides a choice of 457(b) plans that allow eligible employees to defer receipt of a portion of their salary until some later date, usually at retirement or termination of employment. Contributions are made on a pretax basis and accumulate tax-free until withdrawal. Contributions to 457(b) plans may be made instead of, or in addition to, any 403(b) contributions. 457(b) Plans are not matched by the System.
Eligible employees may participate in both 403(b) and 457(b) plans in the same year, contributing up to the maximum amounts allowed by federal law to each plan.
You can enroll or manage your plan through TIAA Opens in a new window.
Educational Benefits
Educational Benefits for Employees
Educational assistance provides reimbursement to eligible full-time employees of an amount equal to 100% of the tuition costs for three (3) credit hours in the fall and spring semesters and six (6) credit hours in the summer terms at the standard on-campus, in-state graduate or undergraduate tuition rate. All other hours taken will result in reimbursement of an amount equal to 50% of the tuition costs at the standard on-campus, in-state undergraduate or graduate tuition rate. Higher tuition rates for special enrollment programs, such as but not limited to law school, medical school, or executive programs do not entitle employees to amounts above the standard on-campus, in-state graduate tuition rate. Fees and other charges will not be reimbursed. Please see the University of Alabama System Office Educational Benefit Policy for more information on eligibility and procedures.
Educational Benefits for Spouse and Dependents
After eligible employees have been employed six (6) continuous months, spouses and dependents may be reimbursed an amount equal to 50% of the tuition costs at the standard on-campus, in-state undergraduate or graduate tuition rate for eligible courses. Higher tuition rates for special enrollment programs, such as but not limited to law school, medical school, or executive programs do not entitle the eligible dependent to amounts above the standard on-campus, in-state graduate tuition rate. Fees and other charges will not be reimbursed. Please see the University of Alabama System Office Educational Benefit Policy for more information on eligibility and procedures.
More Information
Eligible part-time employees will receive a prorated amount of educational assistance based upon their full-time equivalency (FTE). For example: an eligible part-time employee of .50 FTE would be eligible for an amount equal to 50% of the tuition benefit.
NOTE: In the event that there is more than one eligible employee within the family unit, only one tuition reimbursement shall be granted to the employee. In order to obtain reimbursement, employees must first enroll and then submit original receipts along with a Reimbursement Requisition to the Director of Financial Operations who shall process the reimbursement. If a “rush check” is needed, be certain to notify the Director of Financial Operations.
Tuition Assistance Application Opens in a new window
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Everyone has problems juggling the demands of work, family, and other obligations that combine to make life stressful. Effective August 1, 2018, The University of Alabama System Office has contracted with American Behavioral to provide professionally trained counselors to give you options and resources for coping more effectively with a variety of life challenges. Effective Oct. 4, 2021, American Behavioral will be rebranded as Uprise Health Opens in a new window after a recent acquisition. The new brand better reflects the company's focus on being a digital mental health company market leader that cares for the total person.
- Uprise Health Partnership
Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Uprise Health Opens in a new window is a full-service behavioral health care organization with a nationwide network of licensed and credentialed providers in 38 specialties. Eligible employees and dependents residing in Tuscaloosa, outside of Tuscaloosa and even out-of-state will have expanded access to highly-qualified EAP counselors.
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential assessment and short-term, professional counseling services. Eligible employees and dependents may receive up to five (5) free face-to-face sessions per episode per year to address pressures associated with marital and family issues, grief and loss, interpersonal relationship difficulties and more. Uprise Health also provides unlimited access to scheduled, telephonic counseling or coaching sessions. To access articles, tips, self-assessment, and skill-building tools, go to the EAP Portal Opens in a new window and register your account.
- EAP and Work-Life Services: An Overview for Employees (Download PDF)
- Counseling Services
The University of Alabama System Office’s EAP is an employee assistance and counseling program designed to provide eligible employees and their family members with resources for resolving work-related and personal problems, including but not limited to:
- Marital and Relational
- Parent-Child
- Behavioral Problems of Child
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Emotional and Stress-Related
- Job-Related
- Personal and Household Budgeting
- Extended Family
The Employee Assistance Program provides a free assessment, short-term counseling (5 in-person sessions), and referral services. Referrals are made in consultation with you if additional mental health services are needed. The benefits provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will be explored with you in selecting a provider.
- Work/Life Services
Personal Advantage is a work-life website that contains more than 20,000 articles and interactive resources for topics such as emotional well-being, family life, health, financial, legal, personal growth and stress. Popular items include personal development training, downloadable will kits, financial calculators, and parenting articles. Employees have access to a free, comprehensive legal consultation or free session with a certified financial professional, as well as referrals to thousands of community resources including 12-step groups, community mental health agencies, and more.
Visit Uprise Health Opens in a new window and select Member Login and use the company name of “UofA”to register.
- Training and Education
Throughout the year, EAP staff members are available to conduct programs and classes on a variety of topics. To schedule a specific subject or event for your department, please contact Jessica Harrison in Human Resources.
For training topics, visit the Uprise Health website and register in the EAP Portal Opens in a new window.
- On-site Crisis Intervention
In the event of a major disaster, loss of life, or crisis situation, Uprise Health Opens in a new window EAP staff are available to provide on-site assistance also known as Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) within two hours. Please contact the Department of Human Resources at (205) 348-9506 when a “critical incident” impacts your employees or the workplace.
- Confidential Services
EAP services are always confidential. Information regarding you and your counseling sessions is not released to your manager or supervisor and will not be made a part of your personnel file. Only statistical data is reported to the University of Alabama System Office that provides a composite of the employee population served. Your right to privacy is protected within the State of Alabama and federal guidelines.
Employee Training
In-person Training
UAS employees may participate in all in-person training available at each UAS employee’s respective campus. You may need a campus ID badge or number in order to participate. For registration and schedules, please contact your campus’s Human Resources office.
WellBAMA Credit
Don’t forget, for employees who participate in WellBAMA, some training courses count toward your program requirement for the year. Reach out to UAS Human Resources for more information on qualifying programs.
